Envoi Allen justified favourtism to take the opening Ballymore Novices Hurdle for Gordon Elliot. Two years ago he won his 4yo maiden in Ballinaboola for Colin Bowe and Barry O’Neill. Unbeaten now on the track in his 8 starts, he also won last years Festival bumper.

Two former Donnchadh Doyle horses chased him home in third and fourth place this afternoon; The Big Getaway and The Big Breakaway, both of which are by Getaway.

Yet again, the Champion Bumper went the way of a Willie Mullins horse, Ferny Hollow, another graduate of the Kiltealy yard of Colin Bowe. The Westerner gelding won his 4yo maiden at Knockanard, near Fermoy, last year.

Bun Doran took third place in the Queen Mother Champion Chase. The 9yo now trained by Tom George, won his point-to-point for Mick Goff back in 2015 on his debut at Necarne.

Jamie Codd took third place in the Cross Country Race aboard the Gordon Elliott trained Out Sam, and the Mayglass rider took the same position with Queens Brook in the Champion Bumper.

Darryl Jacob took third place in the Juvenile Handicap Hurdle with Saint D’oroux (FR), also trained by Elliott.